Rear view mirrors: common faults and their symptoms

1. Destruction of the reflecting element
   • The coating of the side rear view mirror has dimmed.
   • Clarity of objects in the side rear view mirror has deteriorated.
   • The reflective coating has crumbled; black areas have formed on the glass.
2. Oxidation of contacts, or break electric circuit in the mirrors fitted with electric heating
   • In the winter, there is frost on the mirrors, and it does not melt after some time.
   • Outside mirrors fog up, and are to be cleaned manually.
   • Sometimes, plastic elements of the component casing may melt.
3. Cracks, chips, and other mechanical damages
   • When driving, extraneous sounds are heard from the mirror side.
   • The image in the mirror is distorted.
   • Sometimes, the mirror cannot be fixed in the required position, folded or unfolded.

How to repair or replace rear view mirrors?

Repair of the components may include disassembling, cleaning oxidized contacts, if the problem is in the electrical circuit. If the reflective element fails, the glass of the rear view mirror may be replaced, if this is allowed by the design of the vehicle. First check it in the technical documentation of your vehicle. You can also find there detailed algorithm of replacement. Usually, replacement of the glass requires dismantling the casing of the component, and removing the glass from the casing with a universal wedge. Next a new glass is carefully inserted, and the assembly is installed onto the vehicle.

In case of significant damage of the component, the rear view mirror assembly should be replaced. In some cases, replacement of the mirrors from both sides is required, in this case it is better to buy a set of components from the same manufacturer. It is not recommended to replace the component by your own since you can easily damaged it during the process. To have the rear view mirrors replaced, contact a service station.

Selecting the rear view mirror take into account quantity of connections.
Difficulty of rear view mirror replacement depends on the model, configuration and manufacturing year of the car.

Types:

1. According to location:
   • outer (side) mirrors;
   • interior mirrors.
2. According to mounting side:
   • left;
   • right.
3. According to optical element type:
   • flat;
   • spherical (convex);
   • aspherical (with variable curvature).
4. According to drive type:
   • with mechanical drive;
   • with electric drive.